Wales

Calls for lung cancer awareness campaign in Wales

Campaigners from the UK Lung Cancer Coalition are calling for better awareness of the symptoms of lung cancer. It accounts for most cancer deaths here, and Wales rates badly compared to other countries in terms of survival rates.

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The Welsh Government has pointed to its record over improving overall cancer survival rates here, but admitted "we need to go further when it comes to lung cancer."

Responding to call for a public awareness campaign on lung cancer symptoms, it says GPs will soon have to review every diagnosis to make improvements, and is "working hard" to drive down smoking levels.

The Welsh NHS is spending more than ever on cancer care and while Wales has shown the biggest improvement in overall cancer survival rates of all UK nations, we need to go further when it comes to lung cancer.

From this year all GPs will have to review every diagnosis of lung cancer to improve awareness and skills to support earlier diagnosis.

We currently fund a number anti-smoking and healthier lifestyle campaigns, however individuals have a key role in changing their habits to avoid unnecessary harm such as smoking.

We are working hard towards our ambitious target to drive down smoking levels to 16% by 2020.

People also need to make sure they do not ignore potential early symptoms such as a persistent cough and not put-off seeking medical attention.

Dr Ian Lewis, Director of Research and Policy at Welsh cancer charity Tenovus, says Public Health Wales and the Welsh Government should "promote the signs and symptoms of lung cancer, so that people present earlier at the GP and are more likely to receive successful treatment".

He says that, in addition to a public awareness campaign, there should be more investment in promoting healthier lifestyles, and particularly quitting smoking.

Lung cancer is the biggest cancer killer in Wales, accounting for 22 per cent of all cancer deaths - and a recent European survey ranked Wales 28th out of 29 countries for survival rates.